Q: What is the formula for the employment-to-population ratio?

$$\frac{\text{Number of people employed}}{\text{Working-age population}} \times 100$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the labor force participation rate?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of the working-age population that is in the labor force.

Question 2

Suppose the U.S. has 133.4 million employed, 23.1 million unemployed, and a working-age population of 259.9 million. What is the unemployment rate? Use the formula $$	ext{Unemployment Rate} = \frac{	ext{Number Unemployed}}{	ext{Labor Force}} 	imes 100.$$

Accepted Answer

$$14.76\%$$

Question 3

Which of the following is classified as frictional unemployment?

Accepted Answer

A recent college graduate searching for their first job.

Question 4

If the output gap is negative, what does this imply about the unemployment rate?

Accepted Answer

The unemployment rate exceeds the natural rate.

Question 5

Which of the following would be considered a marginally attached worker?

Accepted Answer

A person who is not working, not looking for work, but wants and is available for a job and has looked for work in the recent past.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT included in the official unemployment rate (U-3)?

Accepted Answer

Discouraged workers who have stopped looking for work.

Question 7

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates structural unemployment?

Accepted Answer

A factory worker whose job is replaced by robots and who lacks the skills for new jobs.

Question 8

What is the formula for the employment-to-population ratio?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{	ext{Number of people employed}}{	ext{Working-age population}} 	imes 100$$

Question 9

Which of the following would decrease the official unemployment rate?

Accepted Answer

Discouraged workers leave the labor force.

Question 10

If the labor force is 156.5 million and the working-age population is 259.9 million, what is the labor force participation rate? Use $$	ext{LFPR} = \frac{	ext{Labor force}}{	ext{Working-age population}} 	imes 100.$$

Accepted Answer

$$60.2\%$$

Question 11

Which of the following is true about the natural rate of unemployment?

Accepted Answer

It is the sum of frictional and structural unemployment.

Question 12

During a business cycle trough, which of the following is most likely to increase?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of unemployment lasting 27 weeks and over.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes cyclical unemployment?

Accepted Answer

Unemployment caused by fluctuations in the business cycle.

Question 14

A person who is working part-time but wants a full-time job is considered:

Accepted Answer

Underemployed (economic part-time worker).

Question 15

Which of the following would most likely decrease frictional unemployment?

Accepted Answer

Effective Internet-based employment services and job registries.

Question 16

If real GDP is below potential GDP, what can be said about the output gap and unemployment?

Accepted Answer

The output gap is negative and unemployment is above the natural rate.

Question 17

Which of the following is a reason why the official unemployment rate may understate the true extent of unemployment?

Accepted Answer

It excludes discouraged and underemployed workers.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct formula for the real wage rate?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Real Wage Rate} = \frac{	ext{Nominal Wage Rate}}{	ext{Price Level}}$$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes full employment?

Accepted Answer

When all unemployment is frictional or structural.

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